Help me in my HOLIDAY planning.?

Question

I am planning to visit HARIDWAR in few days so, can hyou plzzz let me know what are the places I can see over there I know about Hari ki paudi but what else I can visit.

Answer 1

www.indiatourism.com

Answer 2

Hi, besides Har ki Pauri there are lots of other place to visit in Haridwar such as Chandi Devi Temple, Bhimgada Tank, Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar, Canal Centenary Bridge,Daksha Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi and Shantikunj Ashram & many more. More information is given at :

http://www.tsiindia.com/haridwar.html

Answer 3

Haridwar, Uttaranchal -- (called the Gateway to God)

This holy dham nestling between hills and the Ganga is renowned for its numerous temples. People go to Haridwar and Rishikesh usually on a pligrimage. There is also  much natural beauty to explored in its surroundings.  

Nearby is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples in this town. The Ganga Aarti is a spectacular and touching sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the same instant. Hundreds of people throng to the ghats at Harki-Pauri to offer lamps and flowers that are floated down the river.

What to see:

Har-ki-Pauri

This is one of the most famous bathing ghats at Haridwar. The best time to visit this spot, is at sunset, when the 'Aarti' is performed. A daily ritual, it is a breathtaking sight, with thousands of earthern lamps lighting up the evening.

The Maha Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years and an estimated 45 million people converge to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges as part of a purification ritual. Here you see a vast array of religious ascetics - sadhus and mahants - who come down from their abodes in forests, mountains and caves.

The Ghats

Virtually all devotees who visit Haridwar have a sacramental bath in the river Ganga. Though Har-ki-Pauri is the most popular place for taking a dip, there are other bathing ghats too. Steps have been built leading down to the specially-diverted waters of the river so that devotees can bathe in safety. Dedicated bathers then immerse themselves off the natural banks of the swift-flowing, and often very chilly, Ganga.

Gorakhnath Temple

This is an imposing edifice dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath on the main road leading to Har-ki-Pauri. As might be expected in such an ancient pilgrim centre, Haridwar has temples for various denominations and sects.

Ghat Temples

There are a number of temples at Chandighat including the Kalika Temple which is best known. Across the main Ganga river is the Neel Parvat, on top of which is the Chandi Devi temple. The summit can be reached, after trekking for about 3 km on the hill.

Kankhal Temples

The Kankhal Temples are 3 km from the heart of Haridwar. There are a number of famous temples here including Birbhadreshwar Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund. Located at Kankhal, which is one of the five sacred places around Haridwar, the site has a story attached to it. Legend has it, that Daksh Prajapati, Sati's father, performed a yagna at this place. He did not invite Lord Shiva. Sati, feeling insulted, consequently, burnt herself in the Yagna Kund, here.

Mansa Devi Temple

Atop a hill Mansa Pahar overlooking Haridwar, this temple is dedicated to the goddess who grants wishes of devotees. It is connected by a ropeway to the heart of town. Views from the cable car are well worth the Rs 20 each way for the 5 minute journey. The temple is open from 8 am to noon and again from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Chandi Devi

The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir - Suchat Singh. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat. Legend has it that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi.





It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century AD. Chandi Devi Temple is accessible by a ropeway, which starts near Gauri Shankar Temple.

Bharat Mata Temple

This is one of the important temples of Haridwar. It has eight stories in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed.

Shanti Kunj

It is the famous ashram of Gayatri. Followers and pilgrims from far and wide converge here for yoga and natural cures.

Maya Devi Temple

It is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.



Bhimganga Tank

On the way to Rishikesh, this tank is said to have been made by Bhim, with a jab of his knee, when the Pandavas were going to the Himalayas through Haridwar.

Canal Centenary Bridge

Located near Har-ki-Pauri, this bridge commands a beautiful view of the canal, and all the ghats.

Parmarth Ashram

About six kms away, on the way to Rishikesh, is this Ashram, housing a beautiful image of Goddess Durga.

Pawan Dham

The Ashram, here, is famous for its Hanuman temple, built with pieces of glass.

When to Visit

The best season to visit, is between May and October/November.

Getting There

Road: Haridwar is 24 kms from Rishikesh by road. Bus services run by the UP Roadways, other states and private operators connect Haridwar with other towns in North India. Cycle-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, tongas, vikrams, taxis are the means of local transport.

Rail: Haridwar is well connected by rail to Howrah (1438 kms), Bombay (1574 kms), Delhi (199 kms), Lucknow (475 kms), Agra (365 kms).

Air: Jolly Grant airfield, 35 km from Haridwar, is the nearest Airport.

Where to Stay

Aarti, Railway Station Road (Tel: 427456).

Amba Niwas, Choti Sabzi Mandi, Vishnu Ghat.

Hotel Teerth, Subhash Ghat, Har-ki-Pauri.

Suvidha, Sharavan Nath Nagar.

Mansarovar International, Upper Road, Moti Bazar.

Motel Rahi (U.P. Tourism), Near Bus Stand, Railway Road.

Tourist Bungalow (U.P. Tourism), Belwala, Hrishikesh Bypass Road.

Hotel Nanda Tels Haridwar-Hrishikesh Highway.

Hotel Himgiri International, Devpura.

Tourist Information

Regional Tourist Office, Upper Road (Tel: 427370).

UP Tourist Information Bureau, Near Bus Stand, Station Road.

Tourist Information Centre

Railway Station.

Ganga Sabha

Near Harki-Pauri.

--- Additional  Places to See:

Chila Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajaji national Park)

Haridwar is also a popular destination for adventure lovers. Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Rajaji National Park, covers an area of around 240 sq. km. which attracts wildlife lovers with its pristine scenic beauty and rich bio diversity. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species. One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or may find oneself excited by a wildlife of many kinds including tigers, leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan yellow throated marten, samber, cheetal, barking dear, wild boar, langur, ghural, sloth bear, king cobra, woodpecker, etc. The river shelters fish in abundance. Fishing is allowed with permits. Time to visit: 15th November 15th June. No entry before sunrise and after sunset.

Piran Kaliyar

The Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed `Sabri on the outskirts of Roorkee, around 23 kms, is a must-visit-place for every visitor. It is situated towards the south of Haridwar. The place is known as Piran Kalier. This place is one of the living examples of unity between the Hindu and Muslim religions. Famed for its mystical powers that fulfill the desires of the devout, the Dargah is visited by millions of Muslims and Hindus alike from India and abroad.

The Urs is celebrated at this Dargah every year, from the 1st day of sighting the moon to the 16th day during the Raheeull month of Islamic Calendar.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is one of the best-located pilgrimage centers along the right side of the bank of the Ganga. The holy river emerging from the high mountains not far from here, runs deep and silent through the thickly wooded hills of the Terai that straddle this region. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife await here. Not to mention the peace and tranquillity of a landscape associated with `munis and meditation. According to legend, sage Raibhya Rishi, undertook staunch penance at Rishikesh to please God. In answer to his meditation, god appeared here, manifested as `Rishikesh and the place thus came to be called after him. Today, Rishikesh has become a center for learning and research in yoga and meditation the renowned Indian methods for mental and physical health.

The International Yoga Festival which attracts participation from all across the world is held here annually for one week in the month of February (2nd to 7th) on the banks of the serene Ganga.

The rope-bridge `Lakshman Jhoola stands majestically here, as a landmark. This is where Lord Rama's brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on a jute rope. The old Lakshman temple is situated on the western bank. Other attractions like the school of Yoga and Meditation and white water rafting camp at Shivpuri, 15 km. up stream, extends an irresistible invitation.

Triveni Ghat

It is an interesting placed to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed fishes. After sunset, priests set floating lamps on the water during the Aarti Ceremony. Nearby is the Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple.

Neelkanth Mahadev

According to mythological accounts, during Sagar Manthan, Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here, which turned his throat blue. Hence, Shiva also became famous as Neelkanth. A four hour walk from Lakshman Jhoola, this temple is situated at a height of 1700 meters. Quite truly, a not-to-be-missed travel destination away from the madding crowd.

Answer 4

Hi,

Haridwar is a beautiful place, you can spend hours at the Ghats.  About 1/2 hrs away is Rishikesh, another beautiful place.  This time of the year, unfortunately you cannot do river rafting.

If you have a day to spare, you must take a taxi to Dhanolti, a very very beautiful hill station about 3-4hrs from Rishikesh. If you have still more time, Mussorie is a hour and a half drive from there, it is much more touristy. Dhanolti is a small village with dense forests all around and a magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Have a nice trip.